Statue of Máximo Gómez

In the north part of the old city you will find the Parque Martires del 71 with the the huge statue of Máximo Gómez.

When José Martí began the War of Independence, he asked Gómez to lead his revolutionaries. Using small guerilla forces, Gómez would go from town to town, burning the Spanish plantations and eliminating their troops.

The interesting thing about the statue is that is actually inhabited! If you look at the back side, you'll find a door. The old man living in the statue is always willing to trade stories about the Cuban battles for some Pesos or a bar of soap.